 Good evening everyone welcome to tonight's meeting. I hope everyone had a very happy new year We look forward to another better year and with that thought in mind I'd ask our city clerk to give us a thought for the week Thank You mayor cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right Thank You madam city clerk Called the 19th regular meeting of the Common Council to order please call the rule boran You're sir to Davis excuse graph excuse Hannah Kittleson Clowness Manny Meyer Montemay or Ratke Ryan Susha Vanderweel and we're hassled 14 present forms present present Berg would you please lead us in the pledge I? pledge allegiance to the flag United States of America Into the Republic for which it stands one nation under God Indivisible with liberty and justice for all Thank You President Berg Holden born Thank You your honor. I was wondering if we could have a moment of silence for President Ford who's being buried tomorrow Right on my agenda Yes, by all means I'd ask for a moment of silence Honor of our president. Thank you very much Thank You all and born Prove all the minutes president Berg. Oh, yes. Thank you, and I move to approve the minutes has entered on the record Motion and second to approve the minutes. Is there any discussion? There being none all those in favor say aye. Aye opposed motion carries Thank You mayors appointments attorney McLean Thank You your honor Hereby submit the following appointments for your consideration special committee on policies and ordinances relating to licensed activities all the person Jeff Radke Peter Guski Richard hires William Gotzacker Wayne Emmer and Non-voting members Chuck Adams assistant city attorney deputy chief Alan Shervin police department and Berg representative of the Sporgen area school district alcohol tobacco and other drugs task force all appointed January 2nd and to expire 430 07 signed by the mayor This list is has been put together And we don't have a Resume or bio for each one. We weren't able to do that in the short of time And we do need to be moving with this committee so that they can conduct our business. So I guess Suspension Motion in the second to suspend is there any objection to suspension and it's for motion to confirm Motion second to confirm any discussion All those in favor say aye Any opposed motion carries appointment is confirmed Thank You attorney McLean Madam city clerk public forum. Yes. Thank you first on our list is Henry Capitello And Henry can I have your home address please? Yes, that's 1619 North 38th Street, and that's in the town of Sheboygan And I am here representing home, Inc Okay, and you will have five minutes. Okay, I Am here today to speak on a resolution that was Presented by Alderman Renee Shusha at the last council meeting and is on your agenda for tonight The resolution of pass would bar individuals that are not residents of the city Sheboygan from speaking during the public forum Ask yourself Why would the city council want to limit public speech of any individual especially since one of the mayor's main platforms? Was open government the answer to that question is quite simple Who has come to these council chambers and has spoken out about this administration and some council members? And who is not a city resident? It is quite evident that that person is myself It does not surprise me of the measure that this administration will undertake to silence any descending opinions Regarding its actions or policies again the powers that be are so threatened and intimidated by descending views That they look to limit free speech one of this count country's most valued civil liberties It has been my own personal experience that some council members and this administration will go just about any extremes to try to Make it difficult for me and other individuals at their question Some council action and or administration actions or policy in past retaliatory measures They did not hurt me personally But the very low-income persons at home includes to help a perfect example is the community to block run application at Homings submitted to the city even though the finance committee had already reviewed our application and had made their recommendations to this council several other persons chose to make our application an issue as The result homing is now being asked to do various things that no other organization has been asked or instructed to do so The process alone has been altered in a way that treats homing's application different from all others This coming from the administration that cried That cried Discrimination and bigotry from different members of the community when he perceived to be treated differently When his job performance was being questioned by way of a recall Such an issue was raised that there were news articles in the Milwaukee Journal Sheboygan Press and Alconquistador Spanish newspaper It seems okay for the administration and council to treat homing different than all other applicants But what is even more shameful is that we are expected to endure this type of treatment and not say anything of its unfairness malice or discriminatory nature Now this administration is looking to silence me permanently, but who else will suffer from this misguided action? I can tell you in no uncertain terms and the individuals that will be affected by this resolutions are more more likely city employees One example is any police officer That is not a city resident can put his or her life in harm's way to protect anyone in this in this council chamber But will not be able to come to this council to speak at the public forum another example is That any fireman that is not a city resident can put his life or her life in harm's way by entering a burning building to help Anyone in this council chamber, but could not come before this council to speak at the public forum Was it not the same administration and councilperson or an issue show who also raised the question of city residency for all city employees? Could it be that this resolution is intended to silence not only myself But also other possible individuals who do not support this administration and council's policies and actions Where are the traditional supporters of free speech? I have yet to read anything about this resolution in the shabuagan press You would think that they would be concerned about any curtailment of free speech Could it be that the shabuagan press is more concerned about supporting this administration and finding fault in its actions? I would challenge the press to be vigilant in not supporting the eroding of any free speech No matter how small it may seem Today it is the public forum tomorrow. It may be what can be written in the newspaper about the government or any public official if the if WHBL would I also challenge WHBL Not to buckle under any pressure in the return to be the bastion of free speech by Compromising on free speech today. You may not be able or willing to champion any unpopular standard cause in the future a Prime example is Venezuela Where President Chavez is not allowing the renewal of the BBC television broadcasting license? Because he does not agree with what they say about him as a leader Please do not vote for this resolution and the limit of free speech and I'd like to quote from the letter to the editor that was in here from The mayor himself where he says As I listen or it says here I look forward to more listening sessions and hearing what is important to you as we make Sheboygan a better place to live And raise a family well apparently he's he wants to hear what you have to say at the public sessions But not at the public forum. Thank you very much. Thank you Henry Generally I don't like to reply but when my name has been referred to I Believe I have a right to reply. I think mr. Capetello Compliments himself too much over this resolution When he implies or accuses this administration and me by name that I am trying to Hush people from expressing their opinions and voice their opinions. I think it's totally incorrect He is connecting dots that aren't there jumping to conclusions. If you look at the resolution It hasn't does not have my name anywhere on it Why he chooses to try to connect me to it is beyond me, but I can only imagine and I probably wouldn't be wrong What is being brought before you tonight is not a denial of free speech Anyone has a right to speak anywhere they want to but speaking before this elected body Is a privilege which you have bestowed upon your citizens. Otherwise You would have 100,000 people come in here saying anything they wanted to say This is not a rule that has been put in place by me not a rule that probably wasn't put in place by any of you This is a rule that has been in place for a long time and has worked just fine If mr. Capetello feels that he is saying things we don't want to hear again I think he compliments himself too much I want to hear from anybody and everybody in the right manner in the right forum at the right time and another The right privilege and for anyone to implicate me and trying to deny Anyone's freedom of speech is just totally absolute wrong and I would hope that at some point mr. Capetello Finds it in his own heart to apologize because what he just said tonight is an insult to me and an insult to every one of you Please continue Next on list is Jeff Schucho Jeff can you give me your home address, please 23 or 3 South 17th Street, and you will have five minutes, sir Thank you. I I know a lot of people have heard me speak here before and I wanted to mention that I am Representing my company Great Lakes avian pest control in which I have been looking into our problems with migratory birds that we've had in our parks and on our beaches and And With that in mind I just wanted to mention that the mild winter has delayed bird migrations again this year along with Lesser degree of algae and bacteria die off. This could adversely affect the next swim season from June to August Calling the Sheboygan County Health Department to relay my concerns. No one was available. So I left a message My phone call was not returned So I then sent an email to mr. Hippin steel of the Sheboygan County Health Department dated December 9th 2006 detailing potential health Potential health threats to citizens to date I have not heard from anyone and I just wanted to point out that I have contacted Health Department officials in other counties where I received an immediate response Meanwhile in looking over records for the past swim season the water quality report to Congress the environmental Protection agencies beach profile reports and Wisconsin beach health websites were found to have conflicting data These changes downplayed the extent to which the beach contamination has worsened all beaches tested in Sheboygan and Terry Andres State Park have advisory and closing records that are not accurately represented in the EPA and report to Congress copies of these websites I have included and And I will briefly go through just a few to give everyone an idea as to what I'm referring to the county Which does the actual testing and this has been standardized throughout the state in the country? so Congress has a Method of judging which beaches need more attention which areas Have problems that are worsening which ones are getting better. So they have some ideas to where to direct their funding Example here The records from the Sheboygan County for this last year rated the land park with 25 advisories and closings Yet on the EPA's Beach profile report for the land park beach there were four advisories and closings listed General King Park Beach there were three listed when in fact there were actually 15 advisories and closings to the That particular beach Blue Harbor Beach the EPA's Report listed seven beach advisories and closings where there were in fact actually 20 advisories and closings that were documented by the Sheboygan County health department This goes on and on And I had also checked as a reference Terry Andrews State Parks Beaches which were actually See here here we are State Park South Picnic Beach They listed nine closings in the year and advisories in the year 2006. There were actually on the Sheboygan County website 43 Coler Andrews State Park Nature Center Beach. There were nine listed on the EPA's website There were actually 46 listed on the county's site for the year and I go by the county's Website by the way because I was present at all this testing the last summer and I was more or less documenting What was going on? But for some reason somehow and I'm not going to assess any blame This data was either lost or altered in route to the federal government Terry Andrews State Park North Beach. There were 10 listed closings and advisories for 2006. There were actually 44 Beach data for The State Park North Picnic Beach. There were 10 closings and advisories listed in 2006 when Actually, there were 50 advisories and closings listed This sort of information I know the public uses to determine the condition of the beaches of which I do too and In rating my business and any progress that's made so when I ran across these discrepancies And I hadn't heard from the Sheboygan County Health Department. I did contact congressman Petri Senator live ham Congressman or I should say senator Cole Who forwarded my information because of the time sensitive nature of this This sort of thing he forwarded it to the EPA asking them to contact me directly and develop a Correspondence with me which he would like relayed back to them If I may So in closing There's also a report that goes to Congress every once in a while Which is the beaches monitoring water quality report to Congress and in there because of these This this data not being transferred accurately for whatever reason Dilan Park Beach was rated a medium priority and it should be a high priority General King Park Beach was rated a medium priority and it actually should be a high priority also which doesn't look good, but This is inaccurate what's been relayed to the federal government and I would like to see that we instead of Forget about these sort of things or problems I hope they go away that we jump on this sort of thing and use this as A way of actually enhancing our tourism and the draw of our people by taking a situation like this and Rectifying it one of the things I've developed to help with that This little remote-controlled dog. I'm sorry your minute is up. Oh, that's that's quite a right. Thank you very much Thank you very much Moving moving along there is a hearing tonight to amend the city of Sheboygan official zoning code To repeal and recreate sections of the historic preservation regulations of the city of Sheboygan zoning code relating To certificates of appropriateness and recognition of historic structures sites and district Is there anyone here that would like to address the Common Council? Is there anyone that would like to address the council? Is there anyone that would like to address the council? President Burke. Yes moved close hearings Motion and second to close hearing any discussion on that motion there being none all those in favor say aye Any opposed motion carries Consent agenda president Burke. Yes. Thank you, your honor. I Would move to accept and file all the arrows prove and adopt all the RCs and pass the resolutions and general ordinances all three of them second Motion and second under discussion If you'll notice this is the longest consent agenda we've had but even if it had a hundred which it still takes the same amount of time Okay, any discussion They're being on please call the roll Burke sir to Hannah Kittleson Clowness Manny Meyer Montemay or Ratky Ryan Susha Vanderwheel for hassled and born 14 eyes motion carries communications and petitions to be referred 19 for report of officers to 19 5 through 19 10 to be referred Resolutions introduced 3 1911 by Alderman Manny calling for the governor and legislature to address the health care crisis Alderman Manny Thank you, your honor. I moved to put the resolution months passage Motion and second put resolution upon its passage under discussion Thank you We all know that there is a health care crisis in the land It is a local issue a state issue and a national concern If this crisis is not addressed The fabric of our personal and public lives is going to be adversely affected for years to come Beyond that The ability of a city like Sheboygan to provide essential services is going to be substantially impaired Put in perspective I Remind us all that the health care costs for the city increased 199% in the 10-year period ending in 2005 Such a rate of increase is unsustainable Going ahead If significant health care cost increases continue even at a level comparable to the 2006 or 7 levels of increase Which are 7% and 12% respectively and if the city is to continue to provide essential services At a level anywhere near the current level It will be necessary for city employees to start paying 15% of their health care costs very soon and Increase that percentage to about 30% within three years That's my quick off the top of the head analysis That is an undesirable scenario for city employees and the employees unions. I Offer this perspective Just to put the issue in context for us as a city where it hits home This whole area is An area which is going to be a source of deep conflict in local politics if the current situation is not addressed At this time there are three separate health care bills which are sitting in committee Ready for consideration by the new legislature If there is going to be any growing health in the health care system in Wisconsin Some compromise bill comprising elements of these bills Needs to be sent from committee to the legislature and be approved With both the governor's blessing and support Such a health care restructuring needs to be universal It needs to look at employing market mechanisms to fuel competition among providers It needs to be in the governor's budget to be implemented Many of us have already had some orientation to these health care bills as We had a presentation in the city on November 12th Which was initially sponsored by the Wisconsin Conference of Churches and Then also sponsored by many local congregations and groups the city of Sheboygan being one The issues at hand are universality So that the many without coverage within this state are covered The second issue is the need for justice So that those businesses which push much of their health care cost Onto the state or onto other employers no longer happens and The third issue is the need for efficiency and cost reduction Which our current system fails to deliver We all know that the United States spends vastly more for health care than do other developed Western nations While our actual health status is below that of these other nations Such a situation is intolerable Knowing that this is the status of our health care system Movement is afoot in Congress To encourage states to step out on their own to explore alternative health care delivery systems it's time to step up to the plate and Put a lot of pressure on those who are in a position to begin that radical restructuring of the health care industry Band-aids can no longer provide significant help Fundamental restructuring is essential if we do not see that our heads are in the sand It's time to put our political pressure on representative Terry Van Ackeren Senator Joe Leipen Governor Doyle and all of those legislators who sit on that committee Which is responsible for looking at the three health care bills before them We must have a well thought-out plan on the table acted upon and soon impacting the fair city of Sheboygan and the lovely state of Wisconsin Thus I encourage you to pass this resolution and then tomorrow or next week to call Write or email all of those whom this resolution asks us to contact. I Thank you for your support Thank you. Oldman many old and boring Thank You your honor. I would like to make an amendment to Alderman Manny's resolution I passed out a copy of the of the amendment the first part of it is on Would be to insert on the first side of the sheet after the fifth where as as follows Could we get a motion and then second motion to amend? I Would make a motion to amend a second. Okay now under discussion. Thank you your honor And it reads as follows whereas health savings accounts HSAs have become a popular option for reducing health insurance premiums for individuals small businesses and local governments and the fact that all but a handful of states including Wisconsin do not allow for the Contributions to HSAs to be deducted from state income taxes We urge the governor to reconsider his two previous vetoes and allow HSA Contributions to be deducted from Wisconsin state income taxes and then on the second side In the last paragraph would be inserted On the third line after the words bills as follows and For the governor to reconsider his two vetoes Allowing, Wisconsin state income tax deducts a deductibility for contributions to health savings accounts If I could for discussion. Yes, please continue. I think I think all our man Alderman Manny for bringing forth its resolution It's very very timely and just to expand a little bit on what he said Healthcare costs in southeastern, Wisconsin are not only the highest in Wisconsin There if not the highest in the nation close to the top in the nation and these health savings accounts When I when I had my business I didn't have one But I talked to several small business people that had health savings accounts and they were able to lower their premiums for themselves and their employees by as much as 20 or 30 percent Also local governments one of the documents that I referred to to finance tonight and also salary and grievance committee Manitowah County is already on board with health savings accounts and also and also Calumet County for their employees and so I it is it is a very timely issue besides the bills that Alderman Manny Has talked about so I encourage your Support of the amendment that I'm making. Thank you Thank you Alderman Warren Alderman clay units on the amendment Not on the amendment excuse me. I'd like to speak on resolution before that so I won't talk at this time Okay, you want to just wait? Yes. Thank you On the amendment any more discussion Please call the rule Serta Hannah Kittleson Mani Meyer Montemayor Radke Ryan Susha Vanderweel for hassled Warren Enberg 14 eyes Motion carries an amendment now. I need a motion Alderman Warren Motion to approve as amended Thank you, and I'll make a motion to approve as amended motion in second under discussion all my clients Thank you, your honor. I just like to commend Alderman Manny for for bringing this up It's been a passion of his for the last couple three months or four months I've attended some meetings with him and from a perspective where we at Salvation Army offer some free health care It is a drop in the bucket to what is needed in this community and what is needed in the in the state So I really think that we need to get smart and look at health care as a right of everyone and Not just the health care for the haves and then have no health care for the have not So I think that's very unjust and we have to look at it. It's hurting everyone It's not just hurting those who don't have health care. It's hurting us Who have to pay higher premiums for those who are uninsured? So thank you very much all the men Thank you all the McCleunas all the money went to my own Thank you, your honor. I also would like to thank Alderman Manny for his work on this It's very important for municipalities to do something And if we can urge Madison to take a step in some direction to ease the burden of the huge costs on municipalities this cost on municipalities Will swamp us eventually if the state doesn't do something. So thank you Alderman Manny Thank you Thank you mayor and thank you all the person Manny for Leaving the charge on this issue I agree with the the other all the people that have spoken rising health care costs I Think dwarfs in comparison are concerned over shared revenues and where we're going As a city and as a county and as a state We need to approach this from multiple levels. The health savings account is a critical area Combining entities for strength and buying we need to move forward in all those directions And I I commend you for keeping this issue on the front burner Thank you. I'm Hannah Any more discussion there being none, please call the roll Hannah Kittleson Clowness Manny Meyer Montemay or Ratky Ryan Susha Vanderweel Brasselt Bourne Berg And Serta 14 eyes motion carries 19 20 19 12 by Alderman Ratky expressing The city's desire for continued over the road Plus service serving downtown Sheboygan Alderman Ratky. Thank you, your honor I would make a motion to put the resolution upon his passage Motion in second under discussion under discussion It was made aware a couple of weeks ago that the Greyhound service currently serving the city of Sheboygan It was going to be pulling out sometime this month And that would leave the people of Sheboygan without a downtown service based upon the information I had I'd like to ask mr. McDonald to Address the council if he could please and fill us in with the rest of the details of that would be all right with you, sir Thank you one right key mr. McGonough, would you please come up sir? Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the council honorable mayor Alderman Ratky, and I've had this discussion about the notice of Greyhound They have indicated they are gonna Stop serving this area Actually, it sounds like the entire Lakeshore region. They're gonna stop serving of this month I have had discussions with a company out of lower Michigan called Indian trails, which I believe is a trailways affiliate Who is going to be taking over some of this service and we'll be providing service into Sheboygan? They anticipate service starting February 1st However, they were looking at stopping on the far south side of town just right off the highway. I Have a concern From a transportation standpoint where the majority of customers that would use the type of Greyhound service That's available really live in the central downtown area of our city And then I think it's imperative that we try to encourage them to come into the downtown area Through our discussions. They wanted to save time I've spent a lot of time encouraging to come back to downtown trying to see what we can do to make that happen Ideally we'd like to see them in our transit transfer center right out here at that center and Penn Avenue block there and Basically, they've committed now that they will come and stay in the downtown area If we can locate somebody to become a ticket agent for them And we've agreed to try and make that happen. Somehow we're trying to find somebody to do that I've been talking with a number of people in the community already So we're hoping we can have this new company Indian Trail servicing our downtown area but I think it's imperative that we continue to Show support for the service into the community. I think it's really needed Follow me please Thank you, your honor. Mr. McDonald is When a consideration given to having a bus Routed to the place on the south side of town where the bus where the trailways bus would come is Is was there any consideration on that or is there any possibility on that because I know Walmart's out there and you know That's that's a very good question Obviously that was our first discussion with them. However The time frame that they're looking at coming through is going to be very difficult for us to manage As an example the bus that is heading Let's see would be southbound is going to be coming through at about 945 at night So anybody getting off by the time they got off the bus is already off the street so they wouldn't be able to get back they would have to utilize a private taxi service or a family member and The the northbound bus was coming through at about 615 630 and I know they're working on that schedule a little bit And again That's out there before we can get people to that location Because they want them there about an hour ahead of time to be ready to get their tickets and such So it's really outside the parameters of their service hours. So and that's another concern I do know that there's been citizens that live in the proximity of the downtown from the senior apartment complexes that have called the new bus company Begging them to stay in the downtown because they can pretty much walk from their their apartments or condominiums to the transfer center So again, that's a concern and it was a very valid question that we've looked at Thank you, mayor So as it as you see it now If we can find somebody willing to be a ticket agent, they're willing to to work with us with the downtown location. Is that Yes, that is correct. They have agreed to come into the downtown area if we can locate a ticket agent for them That was my last discussion We're on the 30th. That's that's encouraging. Thank you Thank you, Mr. McDonnell Thank you And while while it may not seem like a lot of I thank all McLean is for Suggesting if there's a possibility of rerouting buses that's for the people who use this bus It's gonna make a huge impact on their lives. So we're gonna take a vote. We don't need a roll call on this to you All those in favor of passing resolution number 1912, please say aye Any opposed motion carries. Thank you 1913 through 1915 to be referred Organs introduced 10 to be referred matters laid over 11 1821 an RO number 4120607 by the city plan commission recommending Repealing and recreating sections of the historic preservation regulations of the city of Sheboygan Zoning code relating to certificates of appropriateness and recognition of historic structures sites and districts and Passing the attached substitute ordinance almond month of my own Thank You your honor. I move to accept and adopt the RO and the ordinance be put upon its passage Motion and second under discussion There being on please yes Target McLean, thank you, your honor just for clarification. I recognize that the I believe it's As a result of the meeting at the plant commission a substitute general ordinance came out To reflect that It's the council that makes the final decision regarding historic structure sites and districts and and What's what's in this? Substitute I think it's fine. However, it should be aware that this was that that portion was addressed previously in general ordinance number 940506 the past On February 20th of 06 just last year. I think what the problem was is because the zoning code is not Updated and until recently I think recently it was transferred over the planning department to try to keep it updated but that was done back February of 06 to make Make the council the final decider to And have the historic preservation preservation commission just make recommendations to the council for designating historic site structures and and districts but So I think that was the rationale for the substitute ordinance As I say because that language is in there. I don't see it being a problem This being enacted on but To allay any concerns that is already in there Thank you, attorney McLean Anything else? Okay, please call the roll plain is Manny Meyer Montemay or Radke Ryan Susha Vander wheel for hassled Warren Burke Serta Hannah and Kittleson 14 eyes motion carries 1764 Resolution number 18060607 by Alderman graph Meyer and Kittleson Authorizing the director of human resources and labor relations to negotiate settlement of insurance claims Not to exceed $15,000 Alderman Meyer They moved that the resolution be put upon its passage Motion in second under discussion Under discussion this just Kind of frees up some of the timing to get back to the people that have Claims with the city right now it goes through such a long process and things are held up So we're just giving the authority to get things moved along a little faster and that is because We have Ed suric mr. Suric is also risk management in charge of risk management and Alderman as Alderman Meyer has stated it does it's a lengthy process and by authorizing him to to settle Not a limit not to exit is as wise Alderman Hannah Thank You mayor. I think this is a a Real fine idea the I was I'd even be willing to go with with higher limits But 15,000 is fine because it just moves things along and this is well Under industry standards for doing this sort of settlement. Thank you Alderman Hannah Anyone else? Okay, please call the roll Manny Meyer Montemay or Ratky Ryan Susha Vander wheel for hassled Warren Berg Thanks, Serta Hannah Kittleson and Clioness 14 eyes motion carries 1836 resolution number 200 6 07 by all urban Susha allowing only Sheboygan residents to speak at the public forum during a common council meeting Alderman Susha Thank You your honor I move that the resolution be put upon its passage Motion and second under discussion. Thank you I'd like to explain a little bit about why this came into existence a couple of months ago I saw one of my constituents Out with the rest of the public after a council meeting and when I was speaking to that constituent after the meeting They had told me that they had a desire to speak at the Council at the public forum, but they couldn't because the five seats had already been taken and then later on I Reflected back and I looked at who spoke and there were two people on the agenda that didn't live in the city So in essence what happened was my constituent Somebody who voted to put me in my seat they were shut out and if you talk about open government You have to ask yourself a question. Is our current system open to the citizens of Sheboygan and the answer is no We have a closed government to the citizens of Sheboygan because if it was open They were she would have been able to speak, but she wasn't allowed to so that's part of the reason I bought brought this forward The other part is is that I'm not sure if everyone's aware that recently we had somebody stand up there and then Madam city clerk always asked for their name and address and they gave us an address that doesn't exist So somebody stood up there and lied to our face So the second part of the resolution is to ask the city clerk to verify Addresses for people who sign up to speak at the public forum. So this doesn't happen again if you think into recent history we recently had a situation where there was a proposed dog run and There was a lot of miscommunication whether we were actually going to put a dog run in this park or not And there were a lot of people that wanted to speak and it was an item that was on the agenda that night And I'm not sure if all the people that wanted to speak all the actual residents that live around that park I don't know if they were all given the opportunity to speak or not But that's another example of why we need to think about Providing a current system that couldn't be used up by five non residents You know for example if for some reason there were five people from Plymouth that wanted to share their thoughts on any particular Subject they could sign up for the public forum and that means the citizens who voted us into these seats would not be allowed to speak Is that open government? I don't think so I agree with what the mayor said earlier about it being a privilege to speak here I think that if we passed a resolution taking the public forum off the agenda You know that's our prerogative if we decided to do it But I think it's a nice way for citizens to provide their input at the last minute to make sure we understand their viewpoints Because sometimes they're not aware of a situation as it's going through the process and going to subcommittees So it's a nice way for them to get up and share their thoughts right before we vote on something It was said earlier that this might be a way to shut out certain segments of the population No, it's not because non residents always have the option to call the alderman call the mayor They can submit their concern or suggestion in writing It would be referred to the proper committee at that committee meeting They'd be welcome to speak and share their suggestions And then it would come back to the common council for a vote And when it comes back to common council it would be up to us if we wanted to open up the floor to anybody We have that prerogative at any time we can open up the floor So it's not like we're shutting anybody out But what we're doing is we're giving a priority to the citizens that elected us to represent their views I'm not here to represent the views of anyone from Plymouth, Chicago, Dorr County, wherever I'm here to represent the views of my constituents So that's something you have to think about tonight If you as an alderman vote against this resolution the message you are sending to your constituents is that you are more Interested in what people outside this community have to say than what your constituents have to say So when it comes down to deciding who sits in the chair these chairs that decision is made by the people who live within the borders So I'd like you to keep that in mind because it's time that we hear what those citizens have to say and give them top priority Thank you Thank you. Excuse me old nsusha alderman hannah. Thank you mayor. I Would like to offer a friendly amendment To this my my amendment would be that We continue with the format of having five Slots for public input Four of those are reserved for city residents One slot is reserved for a non-city resident I Certainly agree with Alderperson. Susha. I have had constituents also voice concern where they have been shut out And I think that this compromise protects the integrity that the that four out of the five slots are protected for Citizens of Sheboygan and we have a the fifth slot for non-city residents. Is that a motion that's motion There's second motion and second Like you under discussion on the amendment Now I see three lights alderman van der wheel you were next on the amendment. I'll turn you off Alderman Manny on the amendment Thank You your honor. This would apply to with the amendment or the original resolution question for madam city clerk Typically do we have people who ask to speak who are not able to speak because we do have a full agenda already How often does that happen? in the past Probably in the past three four years. We may have turned one person away or two people away, but typically We have five at one point. We had some interest because there were some Issues that were coming up and we may have turned away two or three I don't have a huge amount and we don't do a waiting list because that becomes an administrative nightmare So typically we have five to call in and then there We usually tell them, you know if you want to address an issue You know that you can't talk at the public forum because it's full. We tell them to call their alderman Thank you, and I think mayor that's important information to have in our thought process And I'm open to the amendment of the hand. I also entertain thoughts about changing offering alternative amendment I haven't yet decided where I come out Or by we would have five city residents able to speak and to a non-city Recognizing that on most occasions. We wouldn't have seven actually speaking So that it's my thought process. There's no motion that you may you may yes, thank you alderman Maddie Alderman kiddleson on the amendment. Thank you, mr. Mayor. I'm just wondering then We if we go with the five or four city residents and one non-city what happens if if there are The the city position or the city forum slots don't get filled and we'd have a few more outside people that wanted to speak All right, madam city clerk. We have has that hey for see that Yes, a problem. I would say that if it's a quieter council meeting you could potentially have one person That's a city resident call and the four and the three others are left open and then you have one person Allow to speak outside. Yes, and then we would have three open spots. I could see that happening I mean tonight we had two people speak right so we had two people oftentimes we have five full But you know tonight as an example we have two and then they're often given the chance to speak you can tell them You speak on the topic the next week sign up for the forum or you know what the next council meeting, correct? Correct Okay, thank you. Thank you Alderman clay you next Thank you your honor. I'd like to offer friendly amendment to your amendment That we could set up a it'd be a priority system That city residents and taxpayers have priority over non residents and non taxpayers That they would have priority so that in other words if there were three residents that wanted to speak and two And one taxpayer that wanted to speak who did not live in the city But was a taxpayer within the city that they could speak And there would be one left over or in some cases like tonight There'd be three left over but the priorities would be for residents and taxpayers And the leftover positions maybe five Positions would be given to anyone else who wanted to speak Is that a motion? Yes, it's an amendment to his amendment to my alderman hannah's amendment Yes The the Amendment to my amendment. Is it keeping us at five total slots or is that changing? Okay, that's in that would be fine Okay, here we go the the motion stands as is if alderman hannah accepted trillion amendment per priority be given Then it still holds under motion and the second Brackley mayor The amendment to what I had put forward would broaden the definition of city residents to include Taxpayers in that way it encompasses business owners that happen to live outside the city and I'm perfectly comfortable Okay with that I will want to say one thing though, and I don't want to muddy the water but when you have an organization That has a board of directors The board of directors is an entity that pays taxes not the employees You are going to have an employee that comes up here and says I represent so They may or may not unless you have proof Of that board of directors saying we're the taxing entity. We pay taxes. He doesn't he works for us So just keep that in mind Alderman ryan your next Thank you your honor On the amendment, please on the amendment The amendment is to allow Basically what we're going to say with the amendment is that taxpayers Are considered to be the same as city residents as far as having four taxpayer city residents slash taxpayers and one non resident slash taxpayer Correct Please My amendment was that they would be there would be a priority set that taxpayers I mean city residents and taxpayers would have priority over any other speakers At the forum, but in any case that they had priority. So if there were slots open That would the priority had been filled by whoever wanted to speak from a resident and taxpayer point of view and if there were three open Anyone who was not a resident or taxpayer could still speak within the five Excuse me. Thank you. Please continue. Alderman ryan. I I would uh, I would endorse this your honor It sounds like a good idea It hardly seems like the system was broken before this if we've only turned away three people over the last several years But this will ensure that city residents do have a voice I believe that taxpayers Also have an interest in the city and in what happens to their investment in the city So I believe that this is a good idea. Thank you. Alderman ryan Next we have alderman rehassle Thank you your honor Just for clarity's sake if I understand this right then one one of the five slots is still exclusive to a non resident No It's not Okay, so it's open to the first five can be filled by residents They have priority They have priority so if they if they're five standing there they have pride I would say they'd have priority over someone who is not a taxpayer or a resident So if they fail the first five slots, that's it. That's it. Okay, great Thank you. Okay. Now we have president burr. Thank you. Your honor. I once again We have an elegant solution that is much broader than the problem Alderman ryan said it isn't broke. I don't think it's broke either I guess as I look at it. I think In general we need less laws more more than we need more laws and I'm just opposed to I guess legislation of something like this Because I don't see it to be a problem And I think we can debate the amendment but if I recall parliamentary procedure a motion defile takes precedent over any amendment or the motion If I'm correct Does it Then I will sit down Okay Alderman serda on the amendment president vice president serda. Thank you your honor I do understand and I commend my fellow elder persons the spirit of the amendment But my concern with limiting it to just one outside residence. I had some concerns That if there the four slots weren't or were available and there was two or such and now we're changing it But um, I don't think there has been a tremendous problem that warrants this change Therefore, I'm not going to support the amendment and the resolution based on that. Thank you. Thank you. Vice president serda alderman ratki Thank you your honor As I listen to this amendment go around here look at this piece of paper I'm looking at the original resolution. I think it's been pretty much diluted back to square one. Anyway What I would and I'm not going to make an amendment but my suggestion would be To just simply make it five city residents And then if five city residents do not sign up, which usually is not the case anyway Then anybody else it would be open to anybody else But we the five city residents would have top priority at that point in time It's open anybody but that would be my solution to the problem with the amendment As I hear it right now the way I'm looking at in this document It seems to me like it's It's right back to square one unless I'm misinterpreting this and Maybe the city attorney could bring us up the speed on where we sit with it as opposed to the original resolution Thank you. I think the the effect of alderman clayunas amendment friendly amendment Deals with your situation there too. Alderman ratki Alderman bender will you had you were up? I missed you there. Sorry I'm sorry. I had it on thank your honor Um, I appreciate the amendments and the problem solving a few years ago. We uh, we had an issue and And we brought a resolution or I brought a resolution into Law and licensing and we worked on On making it so that the people at public forum had to say what city they lived in because Before that you never had to so I appreciate that I don't I don't necessarily agree with the amendment because I think we're complicating it My feeling is we could just make it to 10 people talk and if 10 people feel it well It doesn't matter where they're from I I would prefer we send this if this doesn't pass the amendment doesn't pass that we send it to Can we the whole roll on licensing and problem solve there instead of doing it on the floor here? But that is my opinion and we will see what this goes. Thank you Thank you Alderman Ryan second time Thank you again your honor it appears we're making a mountain out of a molehill here Therefore in order to expedite the process this evening I You know as much as there aren't good intentions here I don't believe there was much of a problem to start with. I'm not going to support this. I will Vote to file Thank you Alderman Meyer Thank you your honor. Um, I believe if there is even one taxpayer that's turned away That's one too many and if Waiting till the next time to speak and their issue has already been voted on and taken place Well, we're not doing right by the taxpayers and I think we should support I will support the amendment. Um, I think the taxpayers should have priority in speaking to this council that they have voted in Thank you There are I'll just be right with you. There are some Interestingly, there are some people out in the community that would want to make an issue such as this an emotional and political issue I would ask that you don't get caught in that The bottom line here is we have a duty a responsibility To our residents first Those are the people we represent Those are the people that elect you. No one else can elect you. No one else can vote for you Our responsibility primarily first and foremost lies to the residents of shabuigan the city of shabuigan And I will always honor that Above and beyond anything else. Those are the people that put me here. Those are the people that put you in your seats This does not have to become political Does not have to become emotional the duty that we have is very plain Very basic It's right before you Alderman sushi Thank you your honor I was just hoping that madame city clerk could read back the friendly amendment to the friendly amendment So we all have it straight and then I'll call the question. Thanks. Um From what I gather and you can correct me alderman clioness is that the friendly amendment was To continue with the five slots and to give priority to residents to include City residents and taxpayers which means If you're a taxpayer from out of the city, but you pay taxes in the city They're included in the five slots. Is that your understanding? Everybody got that? Okay Call the roll in the amendment Okay, meyer montemayor ratty ryan Susha Vander wheel for hassled boran burg surda Hannah kittleson clioness and mani Eight eyes six nose Motion carries now. We need a motion as amended motion second any discussion Please call the roll montemayor ratty ryan Susha Vander wheel for hassled boran burg surda Hannah kittleson clioness mani meyer Eight eyes six nose Motion carries 1853 resolution number 2010607 by alderman van der wheel Directed in the department of public works to post various alleys along the south side of michigan avenue as to No parking in alley is listed 800 900 1100 and 1300 blocks of michigan avenue alderman van der wheel Thank you, honor. May I take 1854 with it? Please do. I will move that both resolutions be put upon the passage Motion to second under discussion alderman boran Thank you your honor. I was wondering if alderman van der wheel he could tell me on 1853 whether there was any consideration to doing the 700 block of michigan avenue also as that is a mixed Zoning between residential and business ballhorns ballhorns parking lot runs in between the seven and 800 block My former business runs in that area and then there's also some residentials right on the corner of seventh in michigan Who sometimes do park in the alley and there are some semis that come through that alley that want to get into great lakes Blueprinters and service some of those other buildings Have had did you talk about the 700 block at all? Thank you Alderman van der wheel, please respond. Thank you, honor The reason why we took this area is because there was a change of the bus route and when the bus comes In that direction if there was a car park there, they wouldn't be able to make the turn So usually we don't we don't do this because of the 15 feet. It's a lot of state law anyway, and uh As far as the concerns that you have we could bring that up in committee and address those in committee Thank you Okay, please call the roll radki ryan Susha van der wheel Verhasselt boran Berg Surda Hannah Kittleson Clayunas Manny Meyer And montemayor 14 eyes motion carries other matters authorized by law 1917 an ordinance by alman susha clayunas montemayor and kittleson Amending the municipal code so as to add various positions To the municipal court table of organization alderman susha Thank you your honor. I move that the ordinance be put upon its passage Motion in second under discussion Thank you your honor What we're doing is adding a part-time municipal court assistant deputy clerk And the purpose for this is that we have a municipal court Right now that is functioning pretty well And we're issuing a lot of citations and fines and it comes time to collect and we don't have anybody really in place to Collect these fines so this position will easily pay for itself based on the fines that this person is going to be collecting And I think in the long run the city is going to come out ahead. Thank you. Thank you Vice president surda Thank you your honor I just want to mention that at one time this was a very contentious issue But with this it's just evidence that the city is moving in the right direction And that the individuals who made that decision who worked really hard on getting the municipal court up and going Like it said, we have another position that warrants the success of the municipal court. Thank you Okay. I'll miss her all in born Thank you your honor Alderman susha could you give me an idea and the rest of the council what the salary is going to be for this individual and With this number of hours a week is that going to include any benefits? And then also I know the municipal court has been struggling with their with their bottom line And I agree with you. It'll probably bring in some more revenue, but Do you can you predict on is this going to have any effect on the bottom line of the municipal court getting in the Black ink rather than the red ink. Thank you Thank you Thank you. I will try to answer your questions We did approve Two positions because the deputy clerk also left and I believe the deputy clerk makes in the neighborhood I believe it was around $15 an hour and I believe this position was coming in at about 11 50 an hour So that gives you a rough idea of what it is as far as benefits It's the same across city lines as far as 20 hours a week. I believe they get the single plan coverage And then The last part of the question was about getting out of the red What you're right right now? We are operating the court at a bit of a loss But if we were able to recoup a lot of the money that's owed to us I think it's going to bring us up to the breakeven point This is pretty much what we were told and that would also cover the Payment for this position Thank you. Thank you, your honor. I just like to add that the city court is Doing better than we thought the finance director thought it would take longer to catch up to recoup And they're doing better. So we have hopes that this will continue Thank you And element henna. Oh, great. Thank you, ma'am. Um, it's it's my observation that that This is a real positive Because where where these operations fail is in the collection of outstanding Finds, I mean, that's that's where you know, that's the slippery slope that all of a sudden You've got a real large receivable and nobody's going after it So you need to be staffed appropriately to stay on top of Your information. Um, so I think this is the moving the right direction. Thank you all I Just to clarify You know ready blacking. I don't think that that's an issue the the court is making money for the city The comparison always is Are we bringing in as much revenue as we would have with the circuit court circuit court? We were bringing in net I think it was 450,000. So that's what you're comparing Under any circumstance, it's a positive you you're bringing in Substantial amount of revenue, but you're comparing You know a municipal court the circuit court early Thank you, attorney mclean. Okay, please call the roll Ryan Susha vander wheel for hassled boron Berg serda hannah kittleson clayunas mani meyer montemay or racky 14 eyes motion carries 1918 a resolution by olem and susha Directing a public hearing to change the text of the historic preservation regulations of the city of shambuagan the zoning code Related to the rights of property owners Related to the designation of historic structures sites and districts olem and susha Thank you your honor. I move that the resolution be put upon its passage Motion second under discussion There being none nobles in favor say aye. Aye any opposed? Motion carries 1919 will be referred to city plan commission and historic preservation commission Other matters and before we close on other matters after attorney mclean Finishes, please don't make a motion to adjourn yet. There's a final comment attorney mclean Thank you, your honor 1920 is a communication from michael and caron rock Requesting slow children at play signs on the 2,300 block of pennsylvania avenue between evans and the corner of north mckinley street That will be referred to public protection and safety 1921 is also communication from michael and caron rock Requesting a traffic stoplight study for the intersection of north 25th street and coal or memorial drive That will also be referred to public protection and safety 1922 is Submitting the harbour center marina balance sheet from operations dated november 2006 as submitted by skipper marine That will be a refer to marina and harbour committing 1923 is an aroh by the city clerk submitting in the november 2006 circuit court report of fines municipality fees and city officer fees a total amount of 14 618 dollars and 93 cents that will go to finance 1924 is an aroh by the city clerk submitting various license applications for the period ending June 30 2007 and june 30 2008 And that will be referred to law and licensing 1925 is an aroh by the purchasing agent submitting a tabulation of bid number 17 29-07 Received on december 28th for the purchase of 14 ford crown victoria patrolled duty sedans less trades And two ford crown victoria detective duty sedans without trade for the police department That will be referred to public protection and safety 1926 is an aroh by the finance director treasurer submitting as a matter of record a report of A list of vouchers amounting to 16 Million plus has been audited by the finance director treasurer and paid during november 2006 that will be referred to finance 1927 is a resolution authorizing the purchasing agent to enter into contract for the purchase of 14 police department patrol duty sedans Less trades and two detective duty sedans without trade That will be referred to public protection and safety 1928 is an ordinance amending section 38-3 of the misspell code Relating to wards and voting polls so as to change the location of the eighth ward voting poll To st. Andrew st. Andrew luthan church And that lies over Thank you attorney mclean all urban susha Thank you your honor. I just would like to read a statement When I became alderman almost two years ago I felt that the city was like a derailed train The city was almost at their maximum borrowing capacity Fees had been implemented by the previous administration to cover basic services City services were cut to address budget problems The unions were working without a contract and nobody was held accountable for their actions I believe that with the insightful leadership of mayor prez I feel that the train has been put back on its tracks I've accomplished my short-term goals as alderman by making sure that the wheel tax ended last week By freezing the 2007 tax levy which squeezed a lot of fat out of the city budget By supporting the building of a nine million dollar state-of-the-art police station instead of a 17 million dollar one that the taxpayers couldn't afford I created a referendum to see if the voters wanted a casino here I supported the refinancing of the conference center debt Which decreased interest payments and shaved about 10 years off the loan So more room tax will go to promoting our city And I supported the efforts initiated by the shabuagan county taxpayers alliance and supported by the citizens of this community and the chamber of commerce By bringing in a proposal to phase out the storm water fee The only two short-term goals I have left Are to review the city's health insurance options to ensure we have good coverage at the best possible rate And eliminate middle management positions on the table of organization while making sure we have enough people actually doing the work on the street Since these two goals will be met in the next few months. I decided not to seek re-election I think the current administration understands we need to do things differently And we don't need to scare the public by threatening to cut services to balance the budget In fact with tiffade expiring next year and tiffade is the area out by the new walmart the holiday and express and things like that With tiffade expiring next year The city the schools and the county will have access to a new pot of tax money This new money should help all taxing entities in shabuagan hold the tax rate tax rate flat in 2008 and perhaps even decrease it in 2009 I think that the conductor of the shabuagan train Along with the help of the aldermen are going to keep this train on its tracks and heading towards a successful future And I wish you all lots of luck We wish you luck olman susha. Thank you second Was the second all those in favor say aye any opposed stand adjourned